Declutter Before You Pack a Single Thing
Moving is the single best opportunity you will ever have to edit your wardrobe. Before you touch a box or a hanger, go through every piece of clothing honestly. If it does not fit, you have not worn it in a year, or it is worn out — let it go. Donate anything still in good condition to organizations across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Toss anything that is not. Old t-shirts and worn out sweaters can be used as packing material to wrap fragile items — one last useful purpose before they go.
The fewer clothes you move, the fewer boxes you pay to move. Simple.
Wash Everything Before You Pack It
Pack only clean clothes. Dirty clothes mixed in with clean ones will make everything smell by the time you arrive, and most donation centres will not accept soiled items if you change your mind along the way. Do your laundry one to two weeks before moving day so everything has time to dry properly before it goes into boxes or bags.
Pack Out of Season Clothes First
Start packing four to six weeks before moving day with clothes you will not need before you leave — heavy winter coats if you are moving in summer, or light summer clothes if you are moving in the colder months. Use vacuum storage bags for bulky items like parkas, duvets, and thick sweaters — they compress everything down significantly and protect against moisture, which matters on a rainy Vancouver moving day. Label these boxes clearly as out of season so they are the last ones you need to unpack.
Use a Wardrobe Box for Hanging Clothes
A wardrobe box is the best investment you can make for your hanging clothes. It has a metal rod across the top — your clothes go straight from the closet rod to the wardrobe box rod, still on their hangers, with no folding, no wrinkling, and no fussing. Suits, dresses, dress shirts, and anything you would normally hang should go in a wardrobe box. Brothers Moving supplies wardrobe boxes — just ask when you book.
Shoes and folded items can go in the bottom section of the wardrobe box to make the most of the space.
Fold and Roll for Everything Else
For folded clothes going into regular boxes, rolling is more space efficient than flat folding and causes fewer wrinkles. Roll t-shirts, jeans, casual tops, and anything that does not crease easily. Fold more structured items like dress shirts and blazers flat. Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Medium boxes work best for clothes — large boxes get too heavy too quickly.
Use your suitcases, duffel bags, and laundry baskets to move clothes too. They already exist, they already have handles, and they save you from needing extra boxes. Pack suitcases with the clothes you will need first at the new place.
Pack Delicate Items With Extra Care
Delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, and linen need more attention. Wrap delicate pieces individually in packing paper or tissue paper before placing them in a box. For formal wear like wedding dresses or suits, garment bags are the best option — they protect the fabric and keep everything wrinkle free during transport. If you have something truly irreplaceable, transport it in your own vehicle rather than the truck.
Pack Shoes Separately
Never pack shoes loose with clothing — they will scuff and dirty everything around them. Pack shoes in their original boxes if you have them, or stuff each shoe with socks or packing paper to help them hold their shape. Pack pairs together in a bag or small box, alternating heel to toe to save space. Label the box clearly.
Keep a Week’s Worth of Clothes Out
Set aside enough clothes for each person in the household to last the full moving period — from packing day through to a few days after the move. Keep these in a clearly labeled bag or suitcase that travels with you in the car, not on the truck. After a full moving day the last thing you want to be doing is digging through boxes to find clean socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I empty dresser drawers before a move? Yes — always empty dresser drawers before a move. A full dresser is extremely heavy and the drawers can slide out unexpectedly, causing injuries. Pack drawer contents into bags or boxes labeled by drawer so unpacking is straightforward.
Can I move clothes in garbage bags? Garbage bags work for soft items like t-shirts and casual clothes in a pinch, but they cannot be stacked safely in the truck and can tear easily. Boxes, suitcases, and wardrobe boxes are always a better option.
How do I prevent clothes from smelling after a move? Place dryer sheets inside boxes and wardrobe boxes before sealing them. Pack only clean, fully dry clothes — any moisture trapped inside a sealed box will cause a musty smell by the time you unpack.
Can Brothers Moving pack my clothes for me? Absolutely. Brothers Moving offers full packing and unpacking services across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. If you would rather leave the packing to us, just let us know when you request a quote.
Not sure where to start with your move? Our team at Brothers Moving is ready to help — whether it is packing, moving, or junk removal before you go. Call us at 604-720-0931 or get a free quote online today.
Brothers Moving serves Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Abbotsford, White Rock and Horseshoe Bay. We also serve Vancouver Island including Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River and Parksville, and throughout BC including Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Chilliwack and Prince George.